· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on TIME News or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: With a polarized U.S. election ahead, companies are being advised to focus on financial and operational impacts of climate change rather than ethical appeals
• Research from We Mean Business Coalition and Potential Energy Coalition shows consumers favor messaging centered on the tangible business effects of climate action
🔭 The context: Historically, companies have used “do the right thing” language around climate action, which often garners mixed reactions
• Current research reveals that discussing climate action as a “material” business need, such as addressing risks from extreme weather or accessing growth markets is more broadly accepted and minimizes backlash
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A focus on material business impacts can foster wider corporate commitment to climate action, appealing across political divides
• Framing climate efforts this way could enhance resilience and drive investment in clean energy and climate-resilient infrastructure
⏭️ What's next: If Trump wins, companies may face heightened scrutiny over ESG practices, making financial rationale crucial for defending climate initiatives
• Under a Harris administration, materiality-based language would still appeal to policymakers wary of added costs
💬 One quote: “If you position it as a morality issue...you’re going to impress a lot of people, and you’re going to upset a lot of people,” - John Marshall, CEO of Potential Energy
📈 One stat: Over 75% of American voters believe companies should take action on climate change, yet nearly half report being more receptive to corporate messaging that emphasizes business impacts over moral appeals
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